Choose the word or set of words that, when inserted in the sentence, best fits the meaning of the sentence as a whole.

Explorer David Livingstone has ------- reputation: some historians revile him as a proponent of imperialism, while others ------- him as a founder of African Nationalism.

a substantial . . exalt
a sketchy . . vilify
an illustrious . . dismiss
a dichotomous . . praise
a pristine . . castigate

Correct Answer: D

Here's Why:

Choice (D) is correct. If these terms were inserted into the sentence, the sentence would read “Explorer David Livingstone has a dichotomous reputation: some historians revile him as a proponent of imperialism, while others praise him as a founder of African Nationalism.” The structure of the sentence suggests that Livingstone’s reputation is based on two different, even mutually exclusive, interpretations; in other words, these views of him are “dichotomous.” The second part of the sentence describes this dichotomy: some historians “revile” him, while others do the opposite, or “praise” him.

Question Type: Sentence Completions